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ABC News’ Matt Jaffe reports from Chicago: Directly across the street from where President-elect Barack Obama has been planning his future administration, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is planning his response to charges that he tried to sell Obama’s former Senate seat.
For the second day in a row, Blagojevich Sunday spent hours at the downtown Chicago building where the law offices of attorney Ed Genson are based, just a stone’s throw from Obama’s transition headquarters.
Blagojevich arrived early in the afternoon, with his wife showing up around 3 p.m. local time.
Three hours later, Blagojevich left using a back exit. Moments afterwards, Genson departed through the front doorway.
Initially, Genson said "no comment" numerous times as reporters asked him if he had been retained by the governor, but when pressed, he eventually responded to the question.
"I have to check some conflicts, but as of now I believe I’ll be retained. … I have to check for conflicts, that’s all."
Genson then got into a waiting SUV.
"Conflicts. C-O-N-F-L-I-C-T-S," he spelled out for reporters, shutting the door before the car drove off.
Genson has a history of taking on cases with high-profile clients, including R & B singer R. Kelly and newspaper magnate Conrad Black.
On Saturday, Genson told ABC News that he had met with the governor and will make a decision by Monday afternoon about taking on the job.
- Matt Jaffe